“Coffee & Canines is designed to be the area’s premier go-to dog-friendly venue.”
April 1st sees the opening of Gillingham’s newest go-to venue, especially designed to appeal to everyone who loves coffee and dogs.
“I’ve been planning to open Coffee & Canines for some time,” says Jennifer McDouall, PACT, ABTC. “I was a veterinary nurse before deciding to gain my professional dog training qualifications and I started my successful Positive Canine Training business for the public and charitable organisations five years ago.
“Over the past few years I’ve met dozens, if not hundreds, of dog owners in Shaftesbury, Gillingham, Mere, Blandford, Sturminster Newton and surrounding villages. After all those one-to-one experiences, the time has now come to take my knowledge to a wider audience, while at the same time creating a place where dog owners and those who just love all things canine can sit and enjoy great coffee.”
Coffee, cake, treats and advice
Coffee & Canines is situated at Newbury Court at the top of the High Street in Gillingham, so is really easy to find. As well as a dog-friendly environment; there’s coffee and cakes, treats for our four-legged friends (obviously!), and a range of useful accessories. Jennifer will also be on hand to give free advice about dog training.
Coffee & Canines will be open from 08:30 until 16:30 on Mondays to Saturdays, including Bank Holidays.
“I want dog owners to feel free to enjoy a coffee and seek advice if they need it, or just to chill and use our super-fast WiFi,” says Jennifer. “But a lot of people who love dogs can’t own them due to health or age issues, or living in the wrong type of accommodation, and they are very welcome too! Coffee & Canines is designed to be the area’s premier go-to dog-friendly venue.”
Sustainable sourcing
“Our delicious coffee comes from local multi-award-winning eco coffee roasters, 918 Coffee Co, which is based in Semley. It is a B-Corp certified business and is the only coffee roaster in the world that roasts fresh coffee beans using the power of used coffee grounds. 918 Coffee Co strives to have a positive impact on the environment – while going about its daily business delivering outstanding product and performance – and that fully aligns with my personal ethos,” says Jennifer.
“Our cakes and doggy treats are all ethically and locally sourced from small independent B-Corp certified producers, and the accessories we sell in the shop – from toys and harnesses, to food, treats and gifts – are also sourced locally and many of them are hand-made.
“Over the past few years, I’ve always put a strong focus on positive reinforcement techniques, and I’ve enjoyed developing the special bond between dogs and their owners. The Coffee & Canines concept now gives me the chance to take that further by creating an inclusive environment for the benefit of the animals, their owners and everyone who lives in or visits Gillingham who loves dogs, great coffee, and cakes and treats!
“I look forward to seeing old friends – and their dogs – and meeting the wider canine- and coffee-loving public from the Blackmore Vale area at Coffee & Canines.”
